As rabbit owners (or do they own us? A question for another time, perhaps), we want to give them their best life. And the best life is a long, happy, healthy one. Here are some tips for how you can give your bunny a great life so you can enjoy each other for many years to come.
1. Feed your rabbit a healthy, balanced diet
Rabbits are like little machines when it comes to their digestive system. In fact, eating while simultaneously pooping is one of their favorite pastimes. In the wild, rabbits are basically little fertilizers, nourishing the earth as they hop about munching and making “contributions”.
What we feed our rabbits is so important for a couple reasons:
· To maintain the health and comfort of your bunny. Feeding him the right diet now can prevent health issues and even pain later. His lifespan could also be shortened due to insufficient nutrition.
· Not investing in your rabbit’s healthy diet now could lead to much more expensive problems later. Vet bills in the long run can be very expensive if your rabbit gets sick due to an improper diet.
So how do we avoid health issues and unnecessary expenses? Here’s what your rabbit should be consuming daily:
Timothy Hay
A pure, high-quality Timothy hay is a major staple in your rabbit’s diet. Her digestion will not function properly without it. You can’t go wrong with a fresh organic hay that gives your rabbit the nutrients she needs. She also won’t be able to resist the fresh, fragrant smell of pure Timothy hay.
Timothy hay is also great for keeping your rabbit’s teeth worn down so they don’t experience overgrowth or sharp points that could create sores in her mouth. So, make sure she has access to an endless supply of fresh hay every day.
Timothy Hay Pellets
Timothy hay pellets support your rabbit’s diet by ensuring he gets all the vitamins and minerals he needs in addition to the hay he eats every day.
Avoid “junk food” pellet mixes often sold in pet stores which typically contain dyes, sugar, and other fillers – all harmful to your rabbit over time. These mixes also lack the appropriate fiber and protein levels found in a quality rabbit pellet.
Fresh Veggies
Supply your rabbit with a handful or two of fresh leafy greens every day. We recommend organic, pre-washed produce whenever possible to avoid the chemicals found in pesticides being ingested by your rabbit. Avoid iceberg lettuce and keep kale to a minimum.
Most rabbits love veggies such as romaine, dandelion greens, spinach, arugula, clover, bok choy, and celery. Sugary vegetables such as carrots should be offered occasionally and in small amounts (like a baby carrot every few days).
Herbs
Rabbits love herbs! Fresh cilantro, parsley, dill, or a special blend, are enthusiastically received by most rabbits. Every bunny has his preferences though, it will soon become clear to you what he likes the most!
Healthy, low sugar treats may be offered on occasion. Many rabbits binky for an unsweetened banana chip or a baby carrot.
Also be sure your rabbit has access to plenty of fresh, clean water daily.
If you remember only one thing from reading this post, remember this: A high quality Timothy hay is the ultimate source of fiber for your bun. To ensure all systems are “go” for your rabbit’s digestion, Timothy hay is a staple and should be supplemented daily by pellets and greens.
2. Playing and bonding
You have probably heard before that rabbits are social creatures. They also love to play! They may play on their own with toys, with another bunny friend, or with you.
Because rabbits are so social and can easily become lonely, it’s often a good idea to consider another rabbit friend for them to spend time with for when you’re not around.
But when you are there, there are plenty of ways for you to interact and build a deeper bond with your bunny:
Get on the floor. One of the best ways to bond with your rabbit is to get on the floor with her. Let her check you out and hop around (or on) you. Getting down on a level where they are most comfortable is ideal since most rabbits find it scary to be picked up. Getting on the floor with your bunny also helps build her trust in you over time.
Play games. You can play with your rabbit by stacking blocks for her to knock down or by hiding healthy treats in a blanket or toy. Some rabbits even like to play hide and seek with their human!
Teach your rabbit new tricks. Rabbits are very intelligent and can learn dozens of tricks. With consistency and patience, you and your rabbit will bond as you teach her new things.
Trying some of these will help you discover how fun and rewarding it can be to spend quality time with your rabbit.
3. Regular vet checkups & nail trims
Since they are prey animals, rabbits are pros at hiding when something is wrong. So, it’s important to take yours to a rabbit-savvy vet regularly - every 6 months is a great cadence to stay on top of your bunny’s health. Make sure your vet checks your rabbit’s ears and teeth, feet and feels the abdomen for any gas (a serious health issue for bunnies since they cannot pass it).
Your vet visit is also a great time to have your rabbit’s nails trimmed if you are not comfortable doing it yourself. Nails that are overgrown can lead to health issues, so it’s important to trim them every 1-2 months.
Keep in mind if your bunny seems lethargic or is not eating much or at all, get him to the vet immediately. Rabbits are fragile creatures, and it’s important to address any off behavior right away.
4. Create a safe, calm living space
It’s important that your rabbit feels secure in her living space. Make sure you provide her with enough space to run around and spots where she can hide if she wants to. Also, electrical cords she may have access to should have cord protectors on them to protect her from electrocution if she were to chew them.
Secure your rabbit from other animals who may be aggressive and ensure small children are supervised when interacting with her. Rabbits are very sensitive to loud noises, so try to locate her in a space in your home away from commotion.
5. Sunshine and fresh air
Just like any of us, rabbits love a little sun and fresh air. That may mean opening a window or taking your rabbit outside to enjoy nature.
Your bunny’s outside play time should always be supervised, and avoid putting him on grass that has been chemically treated. Make sure you either have your rabbit in a harness or in a fenced in, secured area where he cannot escape or be carried off by a predator. He should also have shady options where he is protected from the sun on hot days with access to water.
A Long, Happy Life
While all these above things are important for your rabbit to have a long, healthy life, don’t forget, it all starts with a great diet.
Give your bunny the best with a pure organic Timothy hay that she will be sure to love, and you can have many years together!
Dinah munches on her organic hay